Public Policy Insights

The latest hearing on physician-assisted suicide (ABx2-15, Eggman, D-Stockton) was a well-orchestrated stage play designed to minimize the voices of those opposed to the bill. Although many “concerns” were raised by committee members, the softball questions were directed at proponents of the bill instead of the expert witnesses in opposition.

Even when supporting arguments were misleading and inaccurate, there was no opportunity to refute the misinformation.

Revitalization efforts are under way to legalize physician-assisted suicide. The original bill (SB 128) stalled in the Assembly Health Committee and is essentially finished for the year, but there was always a concern the bill could make its way back into this legislative session. This week, proponents introduced it as a new bill, ABx2 15 (Eggman, D-Stockton) in a special session committee, Public Health and Development Services.

With Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States a little more than a month away, preparations are under way at parishes all over California to celebrate this momentous occasion. Parishes and schools are planning viewing parties and forming faith groups to talk about the Pope’s message of love.

With the physician-assisted suicide bill stalled in the California legislature, proponents took the issue to court last week but were dealt another major setback when a judge ruled that a law prohibiting doctors from assisting in a suicide is constitutional.

As the legislature begins its summer recess, both houses are methodically moving bills from policy committees to appropriations committees. These measures will remain until late August when some may get called up to the floor for a vote.

With minimal support and scant votes, SB 128 (Wolk, D-Davis) was pulled for a second time in two weeks from the Assembly Health Committee and is most likely finished for the year.

The bill would have allowed terminally ill patients to request lethal drugs to end their life. Resistance to SB 128 increased after passage in the Senate. Opponents continued to focus on the impacts and dangers this legislation would have on the vulnerable and those on subsidized health care.

Many of us will be enjoying a well-deserved three-day weekend so this edition of Public Policy Insights will be brief. Mostly, we want to give you a quick update on important developments and what to expect for next week.

Authors of a bill aimed at legalizing physician-assisted suicide in California were forced to pull their bill from a scheduled hearing at the last minute because they did not have enough votes for passage.